sheer

[ʃɪər]

sheer Definition

  • 1used to emphasize the size, degree, or amount of something
  • 2nothing other than; unmitigated (used for emphasis)
  • 3very steep; almost vertical

Using sheer: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sheer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The sheer size of the building was overwhelming.

  • Example

    It was sheer luck that we found the keys.

  • Example

    The cliff face was almost sheer.

  • Example

    The sheer amount of work required is daunting.

  • Example

    I was impressed by the sheer beauty of the landscape.

sheer Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with sheer

  • to turn sharply aside from a course

    Example

    The boat sheered off to avoid the rocks.

  • purely by chance

    Example

    It was sheer luck that I found my phone after losing it in the park.

  • a vertical drop

    Example

    The path led to a sheer drop of several hundred feet.

Origins of sheer

from Old English 'scear' meaning 'bright, clear'

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Summary: sheer in Brief

The adjective 'sheer' [ʃɪər] emphasizes the size, degree, or amount of something, as in 'The sheer size of the building was overwhelming.' It can also mean 'nothing other than,' as in 'It was sheer luck that we found the keys.' Additionally, it describes something very steep or almost vertical, as in 'The cliff face was almost sheer.'

How do native speakers use this expression?